WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Florida Southern College women's soccer team was held out of completing a second-half comeback with a 2-1 loss to Palm Beach Atlantic University at the PBA Soccer Field.
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The Mocs (3-2-3, 0-1-2 SSC) suffered their first conference loss of the season despite an equalizing goal early in the second half by
Rilee Hasegawa. The Sailfish (4-3-1, 1-2-0 SSC) had a quick response to the FSC goal and held that lead for the 2-1 win and first conference win.
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Despite a few early shots by PBA, the first shot on goal was by FSC with a shot by
Madison Male, but PBA keeper Sammy Peebles saved it to stay scoreless. The opening 25 minutes of the first half remained a tight game until strategic passing by the Sailfish opened a shot outside the box and a goal for Maddy Nelson in the 28
th minute.
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The Mocs continued to push with another shot on goal, this time by
Megan Rhonemus, but Peebles again made the save to keep the lead. Three FSC shots to PBA's four shots finished the first half and sent the game into halftime with a 1-0 PBA lead.
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A stronger offensive showing for Florida Southern to start the second half after a great defensive turnover and a quick pass to Hasegawa to match PBA with one goal in the 50
th minute. The tie game was short-lived, as the Sailfish retook the lead with a short cross to Emma Canty for a 2-1 PBA game just two minutes later.
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Florida Southern had a few strong opportunities throughout the rest of the second half but was unable to convert with team or keeper saves by the Sailfish. The Mocs spent much of their possession in the offensive and attacking third of the field but could not get past the PBA backline with a 2-1 loss on the road.
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The Mocs will return to Lakeland and host Rollins College on Wednesday, Oct. 9, set for a 7 p.m. start at Berend Field.
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